Longport, N.J. (May 27, 2021) – At a ceremony held at noon today at the Longport Police Station, the John R. Elliott HERO Campaign unveiled three new members of its fleet of HERO police patrol cars aimed at preventing drinking and driving. The cruisers, from Longport, Pleasantville, and Vineland, will serve as rolling billboards with the HERO Campaign message promoting designated driving.

The HERO cars are part of the campaign’s “Summer of HEROES” initiative to remind motorists to always have a safe ride home whenever they consume alcoholic beverages. Current HERO cruisers from six other South Jersey police departments also were on hand for the ceremony. All the vehicles bear the HERO slogan, “Be a HERO. Be a Designated Driver.”

Congressman Jeff Van Drew, NJ Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo, Pleasantville Mayor Judy Ward, Vineland City councilmen Paul Spinelli and Albert Vargas also attended the ceremony.

Longport is the first town to dedicate a HERO Humvee, repainted navy blue and displaying the HERO Campaign’s life-saving message. The vehicle was dedicated in memory of Longport resident and philanthropist James Klinghoffer, a longtime supporter of the police department. “We are proud to be the first police department with a HERO Humvee,” said Chief Frank Culmone, who added that the vehicle will be highly visible around town, at area schools and at special events, including this year’s Memorial Day Parade.

Pleasantville’s Police Chief Sean Riggin also said his department’s HERO patrol car will see regular duty as a high-profile patrol car. “We appreciate all the good work being done by the HERO Campaign with its positive prevention message, and are proud to be partnering with them,” he said. The HERO wrap for the Pleasantville car was sponsored by local businesses and organizations, including Atlantic Prevention Resources, Action Uniforms, Art Handler Appliances, Billows Electric Supply, and the Coalition for a Safe Community.

“We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for helping us save lives by encouraging safe and sober designated driving,” HERO Campaign Chairman and Co-Founder Bill Elliott said. “With these rolling billboards reminding South Jersey residents of the importance of designated driving, we will keep our roads safe from the dangers of drunk driving.”

The Vineland cruiser also honors the memory of two fallen heroes: police Sergeant Baron McCoy, who died in 2015, and Mark R. McGinly, who died in the Twin Towers disaster on September 11, 2001. Mark is the son of William and Patricia McGinly. Mrs. McGinly’s family, the Ottingers, are from Vineland, where Mark was laid to rest. Her brother is the late Vineland school superintendent Charles, “Chalky” Ottinger. The McGinlys donated the HERO wrap for the police cruiser. They also are close friends of Bill and Muriel Elliott, founders of the HERO Campaign.

Other towns with HERO patrol cars are Atlantic City, Linwood, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Middle Township, Lower Township and Evesham Township.

In addition to law enforcement, the HERO Campaign partners with bar and tavern owners, schools and colleges and professional sports teams to register thousands of designated drivers annually.

Now in its 20th year, the campaign was established in memory of Navy Ensign John R. Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, who was killed in a collision with a drunk driver in July, 2000, two months after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, where he was named the Outstanding HERO of his graduating class. The campaign also honors the memory of other victims of DUI tragedies.

For more information on the HERO Campaign, visit herocampaign.org or call 609-626-3880.